Illumination Push Switch Notch Optical Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing illumination push switch unit structures face challenges in using a distribution illumination type where the light-emitting unit is provided on the extending line of the barrier wall, as the barrier wall and adjacent side walls disrupt the optical path to adjacent switch operation knobs, requiring separate design and manufacturing of the operation panel and switch operation knobs.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a case with adjacent supporting holes and operation members held within, an insulating substrate with light-emitting bodies and detecting units, and driving units formed on side walls other than adjacent side walls, with notch portions creating an optical path between the substrate and barrier wall, allowing for uninterrupted light transmission to adjacent display surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the barrier wall and adjacent side walls are formed to a depth that disrupts the optical path, then the illumination structure can be simplified, but the distribution illumination type cannot be used and separate design and manufacturing are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new spatial dimension by forming a through-hole penetrating the barrier wall from the front surface to the rear surface. This through-hole creates a new optical path dimension that allows light to pass through the barrier wall without being blocked, enabling the distribution illumination type while maintaining the simplified barrier wall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The through-hole acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the barrier wall structure and the optical path requirement. By providing this intermediate passage, the barrier wall no longer needs to be designed with complex cutouts or reduced depth, yet the optical path for distribution illumination is preserved.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the barrier wall depth is reduced to allow optical path, then distribution illumination type can be used, but the barrier wall may not provide sufficient structural separation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of reducing the barrier wall depth in the vertical dimension, the patent adds a horizontal dimension by creating a through-hole that penetrates the barrier wall. This allows the barrier wall to maintain its full depth for structural separation while providing an optical path through the hole.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier wall is segmented by introducing a through-hole that divides it into front and rear portions. This segmentation creates a dedicated optical passage while preserving the overall barrier wall structure for structural separation and support functions.
3Manufacturing precision
If separate design and manufacturing are required for operation panel and switch operation knobs, then each component can be optimized independently, but manufacturing efficiency and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the operation panel and switch operation knobs into an integrated assembly where the barrier wall with the through-hole is formed as part of the operation panel structure. The switch operation knobs are positioned to utilize this through-hole for illumination, creating a unified design that can be manufactured as a single unit or pre-assembled module, improving productivity while maintaining optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier wall with the through-hole serves multiple functions: it provides structural separation, maintains the simplified illumination structure, and enables distribution illumination type. This multi-functional design allows the same operation panel structure to be used across different configurations, reducing the need for separate design and manufacturing of specialized components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enables the use of the same case and operation members for distribution illumination type, ensuring unobstructed light paths to display surfaces of adjacent knobs, facilitating efficient illumination without the need for separate design and manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
first and second light-emitting bodies that are disposed on the insulating substrate and project light toward each display surface of the first and second operation members
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination push switch unit is provided in which driving units for driving first and second detecting units are formed at side walls other than adjacent side walls of peripheral walls of first and second sliders with a barrier walls of a case interposed therebetween, notch portions are provided at the bottom surface side of the barrier wall and the bottom surface sides of the adjacent side walls of the peripheral walls with the barrier wall interposed therebetween, and a space portion, which becomes an optical path toward the display surfaces of the first and second operation members, is formed between the top surface of the insulating substrate and the notch portions through the notch portions.